New Q50 packages driver support technologies under ProPILOT banner

First INFINITI vehicle to use ProPILOT to label driver support technologies

ProPILOT technologies underpinned by Direct Adaptive Steering system, a building block for future autonomous drive development

“INFINITI has introduced a number of world-first innovations through the Q50 in recent years. As INFINITI’s best-selling model, the Q50 has always embodied our commitment to make driver-empowering technologies accessible to a large number of customers. The new model will let customers benefit from the latest advances in active safety with our ProPILOT driver support technologies.” Roland Krueger, President of INFINITI

The INFINITI Q50 sports sedan delivers an empowering and rewarding drive thanks to a range of innovative powertrains and next-generation technologies to enhance ride and handling.

New for 2017, the Q50 becomes the first INFINITI vehicle to package all of the company’s driver support technologies under the ProPILOT banner. ProPILOT is the platform upon which all future INFINITI autonomous drive technologies will be based.

Allowing drivers to retain ultimate control over their vehicle, ProPILOT technologies empower drivers, giving confidence to them rather than replacing them. ProPILOT technologies support more onerous driving tasks, like easy navigation in highway conditions or keeping track of the position of surrounding vehicles.

INFINITI’s second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering is a steer-by-wire system that supports the driver by providing smooth operation, more direct steering responses and easy maneuverability. Direct Adaptive Steering is a precursor to future steering systems that will form a key building block on the way to achieving fully-autonomous driving.

The system does away with mechanically linked parts, instead employing digital components to improve steering reactions and feedback. The electronic connection between components means reactions to driver input are instantaneous.

The new Direct Adaptive Steering system provides customization options accessed through the Drive Mode Selector. Using controls on the center console, the Drive Mode Selector allows the steering response to be selected from six available options: ‘Personal’, ‘Standard’, ‘Snow’, ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’, and ‘Sport+’. Standard mode is more akin to that of a conventional steering system.

The Q50 is the first INFINITI model to benefit from two generations of Direct Adaptive Steering, both in 2013, when the world’s first digital steering system was introduced, and in 2016, when an upgraded version was made available. The upgraded Direct Adaptive Steering system followed consultation with Q50 customers around the world, and after more than 625,000 miles of on-road testing.

ProPILOT’s Active Lane Control system works with Direct Adaptive Steering to maximize safety on highways, activating automatically above 70 km/h (43.5 mph). It uses a camera system to detect the Q50’s position on the road and is able to prevent the Q50 from straying from its lane. It assumes momentary control of the Direct Adaptive Steering system to help the driver avoid a potential collision.